The Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints Against the Police will appoint two criminal investigators to examine complaints of excessive force during a demonstration outside the Foreign Ministry in Nicosia, the authority’s chairman said on Wednesday.
The authority has received several complaints from protesters who attended the demonstration against the government’s stance on Gaza, alleging excessive force by police officers. Chairman Andreas Paschalidis has sent a letter to the Attorney General requesting approval to appoint two criminal investigators to examine potential criminal or disciplinary offences by police members.
According to information obtained by Phileleftheros, citizens’ complaints are accompanied in some cases by audiovisual material which, according to their claims, shows violence exercised against them by police officers.
Investigation to examine whether officers exceeded authority during demonstration
The investigation will focus on potential abuse of authority by police members through the use of excessive force. If requested by those involved, investigators may also examine whether the complaints are false, as recent legislation considers this a criminal offence.
The incidents occurred on the evening of Thursday, 2 October, outside the Foreign Ministry during a spontaneous demonstration over Gaza. Several protesters alleged they suffered unjust and excessive violence from police members, including being pushed from the road to move onto the pavement, as well as the use of pepper spray, all without provocation.
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